During a warm reception at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, revealed that President John Dramani Mahama’s powerful address at the 80th UN General Assembly in September 2025 was the primary inspiration for his state visit to Ghana.
Dr. Drew’s visit marks a pivotal moment in the deepening of the "Africa-Caribbean" bridge, which both leaders have championed as a centerpiece of their respective foreign policies.
Inspiration from the UN General Assembly
The Prime Minister recounted how President Mahama’s "Future is African" speech in New York resonated with the Caribbean leadership:
The Visionary Address: In September 2025, President Mahama declared that Africa would represent 25% of the world's population by 2050 and called for an end to "double standards" in global diplomacy.
PM Drew's Response: "Your speech at the UN General Assembly inspired me to visit Ghana," Dr. Drew told the President. He added that the President’s call for reparations and the return of stolen African artifacts echoed the sentiments of many in the Caribbean who are seeking cultural and historical restorative justice.
A Shared Agenda: Dr. Drew noted that the "Resetting Ghana" agenda mentioned at the UN provided a blueprint for how small states can remain resilient in the face of global economic shocks.
Diplomatic Milestones
The state visit has already yielded several tangible outcomes aimed at increasing connectivity between the two nations:
Visa-Free Access: A formal agreement was signed to provide visa exemptions for holders of ordinary passports, facilitating easier movement for tourists and businesspeople.
Health Collaboration: A bilateral labor agreement was initiated to facilitate the recruitment of Ghanaian medical professionals to support the healthcare system in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Educational MOU: Building on a preliminary agreement from early February 2026, the two nations solidified a partnership between the University of Ghana and the Caribbean nation’s Ministry of Education.
CARICOM Connection: As Saint Kitts and Nevis prepares to chair CARICOM in mid-2026, Dr. Drew invited President Mahama to address the regional body to further strengthen transatlantic trade.
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